By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican businesses are stepping up their sustainability game with the help of international experts. The first International Sustainability Forum, “Sustainable Businesses Supported by Technical Standards,” held last week, brought together leaders from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Costa Rican industries to promote the adoption of globally recognized standards.
Organized by the Costa Rican Institute of Technical Standards (INTECO) and the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (CICR), the forum focused on the crucial role of technical standards in achieving sustainable business models. Participants engaged in discussions on best practices, tools, and technical knowledge, emphasizing the importance of aligning sustainability efforts with established norms.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding sustainable business practices in Costa Rica, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Implementing sustainable business practices is no longer just a trend; it’s becoming a legal imperative. Costa Rican legislation is increasingly emphasizing environmental responsibility and social impact. Businesses that proactively adopt these practices not only mitigate legal risks but also gain a competitive edge by attracting environmentally conscious consumers and investors. Due diligence and compliance are key to navigating this evolving regulatory landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial intersection of legality and opportunity within sustainable business practices. His emphasis on proactive adoption rings particularly true in Costa Rica’s vibrant and evolving market. Companies that embrace sustainability are not merely complying with regulations; they are building resilience, attracting a loyal customer base, and positioning themselves for long-term success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
Silvia Chaves, the newly appointed president of INTECO and CEO of Florex, highlighted the significance of ISO’s global reach.
The ISO Council is made up of 174 countries seeking to raise global standards for safety and progress in a standardized way. Last week, we met in Costa Rica with 20 countries to make technical decisions. Our country holds a seat on the board of this organization, making this forum a significant event that positions us globally to promote regulations based on business sustainability.
Silvia Chaves, President of INTECO and CEO of Florex
Chaves emphasized the practical benefits of adopting technical standards.
Technical standards are there to help improve competitiveness, raise standards, and protect end-users of goods, services, and products. Being part of this activity, providing feedback, and being able to participate in international decision-making is very valuable for the country, as it can lead to opportunities for companies to compete better, improve operations, and find good practices.
Silvia Chaves, President of INTECO and CEO of Florex
Chaves recently assumed the presidency of INTECO with a vision of fostering collaboration and a shared global perspective.
As a businesswoman, I am promoting integration and dialogue. I want different stakeholders to come together and think about standards that build trust and improve benchmarks so that we can all compete fairly. We have to go much further than what we are doing, working in partnership.
Silvia Chaves, President of INTECO and CEO of Florex
INTECO, as the designated standardization body in Costa Rica, develops and implements technical standards, provides accreditation and certification services, and generates new standards for companies. Currently, INTECO maintains over 3,700 standards designed to help organizations achieve higher ISO levels.
Chaves shared her personal experience with the impact of these standards.
As a businesswoman, these standards have helped us grow in an organized and disciplined way, to compete better. This conviction and experience have motivated me to dedicate time to INTECO and testify that these standards work.
Silvia Chaves, President of INTECO and CEO of Florex
Under Chaves’s leadership, INTECO will continue to focus on developing practical and valuable standards that are actively utilized by businesses.
For further information, visit inteco.org.cr
About INTECO:
The Costa Rican Institute of Technical Standards (INTECO) is the national standards body of Costa Rica, responsible for developing, promoting, and implementing technical standards. INTECO provides services such as accreditation, certification, and training to help organizations comply with national and international standards. They play a vital role in improving quality, safety, and competitiveness across various industries in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit cicr.com
About CICR:
The Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (CICR) is a leading business association representing the interests of the industrial sector in Costa Rica. CICR advocates for policies that promote industrial development and competitiveness, provides services to its members, and fosters dialogue between the private sector and the government.
For further information, visit florexcr.com
About Florex:
Florex is a Costa Rican company led by Silvia Chaves, specializing in environmentally friendly cleaning products and solutions. They are committed to sustainable practices and demonstrate the practical application of ISO standards within their business operations.
For further information, visit iso.org
About ISO:
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 174 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering society through accessible legal knowledge fuels its proactive engagement with the community, fostering a more informed and just Costa Rica.
